An unusual exhibit shows how a humble piece of cloth can evoke memories and emotions

When most people hear about vintage things, they conjure up someone's broken-down clutter or maybe a quaint item of dress. But others, like writer EllynAnne Geisel, find in worn wood, rusty hinges and faded cloth the fingerprints of other lives. As she stood ironing a vintage apron some years ago, Geisel realized it had been carefully made by hand. That sparked a sense of connection to the woman who had cut and stitched the cloth and then ironed the apron dozens of times before her.

That feeling of kinship inspired Geisel to wonder what reactions old aprons might evoke in others...